San Francisco (CA) - Intel is about to introduce the next set of additional features for its processors. VT or virtualization technology and AMT or Active Management Technology are designed to initially enhance the usability of the firm's server and workstation processors and will debut in during the third and fourth quarter of this year.

Intel typically uses its IDF conference to send out key messages to its audience on what technologies to expect not only in the long term, but also in the immediate future. In spring of this year, the company urged programmers to begin writing 64-bit applications, which apparently was well received and Intel did not feel a need to repeat this message this time around. Instead, the focus was on the two new features AMT and VT, which will be added to the business and server platforms later this year and early in 2006. It's time to take advantage of these new functionalities, senior vice president Pat Gelsinger, told the audience at the event currently held in San Francisco.

VT will be introduced in the dual-core Xeon DP/MP chip Paxville in the fourth quarter of this year, with the volume Xeon DP server processor Dempsey, the new Itanium generation Montecito, the mobile dual-core Yonah and the Pentium D 900 series (Presler core) following in the first quarter of 2006. Over time, VT will quickly trickle down into the mainstream virtually any chip, excluding single-core Yonah versions, Celeron and Celeron M versions and most of the Pentium 4 600 series. The Pentium 4 662 and 672 will be the only single-core processors to offer VT support. The technology will allow users to run multiple operating systems separated by virtual partitions on their system.

AMT will debut during the third quarter in he Pentium D 800 and Pentium 4 600 series, with Yonah, Pentium D 900, Dempsey and Paxville following in the first quarter of 2006. Montecito will not be available with AMT in the foreseeable time, according to roadmaps seen by Tom's Hardware Guide. Pat Gelsinger described AMT as a tool that can put a "virtual CIO" into silicon and provide a virtual system administrator to every machine. The technology will allow automated maintenance, software uploads, virus removals, even if the system is turned off. Cisco will support Intel in marketing the technology and making software solutions for AMT available.

Source : Tom's Hardware US